Inside Jessica and Brian's Elegant All Black Engagement Session

Jessica and Brian’s sophisticated all-black engagement session at the Lincoln Memorial was a chic and elegant affair to celebrate their upcoming nuptials.

Dressed in coordinating attire with Jessica in a gorgeous, full-length gown and Brian wearing an all-black tuxedo, this happy couple looked perfectly coordinated for their amazing day. “We wanted to exhibit elegance and thought the clean, white grounds of the Lincoln Memorial against our all-black attire was the perfect aesthetic.”

During the pandemic, Brian popped the question on one of the couple’s regular weekend road trips, which came as a complete shock to Jessica. To find out more about his surprise proposal and to see their beautiful engagement photos take a look at the gallery below!

Couple: Jessica + Brian
Location of Engagement Shoot: Lincoln Memorial
Wedding Date: October 10, 2021
Wedding Location: Gramercy Mansion
Occupations: IT Manager + Federal Consultant

Tell us how you met and all about your proposal story

We met as students in college, at The University of Maryland College Park. The proposal came during the height of the pandemic, so it certainly took me by surprise. We often take weekend road trips, so this weekend seemed no different. We went to Richmond, Virginia and visited the Maymont Park which has beautiful grounds with waterfalls, gardens and farms throughout the estate. After a picnic and exploring the park, he took me to the most scenic spot and popped the question.

Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme?

Our theme was black and gold. We wanted to exhibit elegance and thought the clean, white grounds of the Lincoln Memorial against our all-black attire was the perfect aesthetic.

What did you do on your first date?

We were two young college kids, so our first date was nothing lavish. We went to the movies and saw Avatar, and then went to the campus diner for dinner afterwards.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?

It’s a tie between trying new foods and traveling. Oftentimes, those two things go hand in hand. We love traveling and try to take at least two to three trips a year.

How has wedding planning been so far?

Wedding planning has not been as stressful as many portray it to be. We are both planners by nature, so keeping organized and setting deadlines for things has kept us on track thus far. One thing we’ve experienced is overthinking the details, which makes decisions harder to make. Through it all, we manage to make sure we are still having fun and enjoying each other’s company as everything comes together.